Marijuana, submachine gun seized in BC investigation

The Mounties say they have dismantled a major drug distribution network in Metro Vancouver, seizing automatic weapons and hundreds of kilos of illegal marijuana.

A news release from Surrey RCMP said the investigation began in early September, when investigators seized four large boxes of marijuana at a transportation business in the city.

Later that month, police intercepted a second shipment of marijuana at the same business in north Surrey and discovered approximately 77 kilograms of vacuum-sealed marijuana inside, according to the statement.

Evidence reportedly pointed investigators to a residence in the 300 block of Stevens Drive in West Vancouver, where police executed a search warrant on Oct. 10.

Police said a 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene and officers seized three submachine guns, three shotguns and more than 315 kilograms of dried marijuana.

Investigators also seized $145,000 in cash, four kilograms of psilocybin and more than 1,000 psilocybin chocolate bars from the residence, according to the release.

“Illegal marijuana has not been tested or quality controlled and may contain harmful levels of contaminants,” Surrey RCMP spokesman Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha stated in the statement that the investigation is still ongoing.

“Targeting criminals involved in the illegal drug trade in our community remains a top priority for the Surrey RCMP drug unit,” Sangha said.